Testimonials

Here’s what they’re saying about Dr. Mercadante:

Testimonials on Dr. Mercadante’s Work on the Spiritual but not Religious 

“Rev. Dr. Linda Mercadante, author of Belief Without Borders: Inside the Minds of the Spiritual but not Religious, was our plenary presenter at the American Association of Pastoral Counselor’s (AAPC)     Central Region 2015 Fall Conference. Her ground breaking research concerning the rapidly growing phenomenon of individuals leaving organized religion to become “Nones” “Spiritual But Not Religious” is of special relevance to pastoral psychotherapists who are interested in the isomorphic and “intersubjective” relationships between personality, spirituality, religion and culture. Her scholarly, erudite, and well focused presentation was well received with very positive reviews. Appreciated as well was her ability to understand and address our group’s needs, those of pastoral clinicians, who are, as she put it, among those who are ‘on the front lines.’ A job well done.”
-Rev. Dr. Merlin Mather, D.Min., LCPC, TFTrx, Elder, United Methodist Church, Fellow, American Association of Pastoral Counselors, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (Illinois)

“The Ministerium of the Virginia Synod found the insights of Dr. Mercadante’s research to stimulate many questions among them. Her interest in receiving information from hundreds of conversations challenged each of us to intentionally become listeners ourselves to the many Spiritual But Not Religious folks around us. In hearing her findings, it moves us to want to listen ourselves! How to find our voices to respond in a way that draws them … this is the hope of the church for tomorrow. Thank you, Dr. Mercadante, for calling us out to this mission!”
-Bishop Jim Mauney, ELCA, Virginia Synod

Her work is “sensitive and spiritual…suggesting that one’s context be… a lens through which one experiences God. Therefore, all places – not just those labeled holy – have the potential to evoke      the Spirit, although some places may nurture that Spirit while others may kill it.”
-Rachel Parker, In Prism’s Book Bag

“While Linda is a woman of deep convictions, she is a woman for whom faith is never final but rather an ongoing quest for deeper understanding and communion with God.”
-Prof. John Merkle, Ph.D., St. Benedict’s College, St. Joseph, MN

“Linda is not just a scholar…She is very much a doer, with the drive, persistence and know-how to get things done. She sets high standards, especially for herself, and is not afraid to take risks.”
-John Matthews, MidWest Center

“Linda is a first rate scholar and writer….She can engage very practical human problems and issues with theological insight, drawing upon the social sciences, social movements, and the theological tradition in mutual dialogue.”
-Prof. Tyron Inbody, Ph.D., United Seminary

“I wish there were more such voices of reason and faith in our world today.”
-Rev. William McCartney

“She is highly sensitive to the emotional ethos of the community around her and is actively committed to fairness and inclusiveness…She will go out of her way to be supportive of others, focusing  much of that support on those who seem to need it most…She is not just a scholar…She is very much a doer, with the drive, persistence and know-how to get things done. She sets high standards, especially for herself, and is not afraid to take risks.”
John Matthews, MidWest Center

Testimonials About Dr. Mercadante’s Work in Addiction Recovery

Victims & Sinners is “one of the most profound books written on the subject of addiction.”
-Publishers Weekly

“Mercadante’s thoughtful analysis…should be of enormous benefit.”
-James Newton Poling, The Journal of Religion

“Balanced…wide-ranging, insightful and…profound.”
-Ernest Kurtz, Journal of Studies on Alcohol

“The first assessment of this depth about recovery groups.”
-Forbes Book Club

“Succeeds in bringing a much-needed objectivity and historical perspective to an emotionally charged subject.”
-Carol LeMasters, Sojourners

“Achieves an impressive clarity in [her] skillful and passionate ‘intertwinement’ of doctrine and problematic.”
-Douglas John Hall, Theology Today

“Brainy and balanced.”
-Synergies e-zine, Michael Ministries

Participants in the 16th Annual Addiction Training Institute, West Virginia University School of Medicine say:

• “Excellent, I don’t know why I never heard this info before. Thanks!”
• “Good to introduce theology as many counselors don’t have a grounding in that field.”
• “Great topic! We need more training on spirituality and religion in order to squash the negativity surrounding the topic!”
• “Great speaker, very personable, different topic.”
• “Very beneficial. Organized material. Good approach.”

Program Organizers and Editors Say:

“Thanks so much for participating in So Help Me God (II), Substance Abuse, Religion and Spirituality. Your thoughtful and informative contributions to the conference helped make it a success.”
-Joseph A. Califano, Jr., Chairman and President, The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University

“I want you to know how much we deeply appreciated your visit and what you had to teach us….You gave a very organized and informative talk….The trainees were very impressed and appreciative of the information you provided us.”
-Mimmie Byrne, LICSW CAC, Co-Director, Addiction Training Institute, West Virginia University School of Medicine

“We are fortunate to have a person with your insights, commitment and expertise contributing to our…program.”
-Gordon Clark, Chair, Adult Education, Worthington Presbyterian Church, Worthington, Ohio

“Thank you for being such a terrific workshop leader and for being so gracious.”
–Linda Ogden, Assistant Vice President, Methesco, Organizer, Schooler Institute

“Your subject was interesting as well as enlightening.”
-Liz Taylor, Chair, Worthington Area Democratic Club

“Warmest thanks for your being willing to come and teach…for the time you have given to students …and giving generously.”
-Thena Ayres, Dean of Summer School, Regent College, Vancouver, BC

“This was a splendid piece of work, not only because it is interesting and creates a personal impact but because it was an article of substance. A rare combination these days.”
-Tyron Inbody, Ph.D., Editor, Journal of Theology

“I can’t thank you enough for blazing the electronic trail for us and capturing the spirit and nuance of Christian Theology in your writing…Thank you for all [your] intelligence and care …Best wishes and tons of gratitude.”
-Michael West, Ph.D., Editor, Fortress Press

Testimonials on Dr. Mercadante’s Work in Spirituality & Narrative

“Her work is “sensitive and spiritual…suggesting that one’s context be… a lens through which one experiences God. Therefore, all places – not just those labeled holy – have the potential to evoke the Spirit, although some places may nurture that Spirit while others may kill it.”
-Rachel Parker, In Prism’s Book Bag

“While Linda is a woman of deep convictions, she is a woman for whom faith is never final but rather an ongoing quest for deeper understanding and communion with God.”
-Prof. John Merkle, Ph.D., St. Benedict’s College, St. Joseph, MN

“Linda is becoming a major figure among a new generation of scholars who are taking popular culture…most specifically film as…a resource for significant theological thinking. She has written some very significant articles, which are both critical and appreciative of popular culture….I expect her to become one of the major names in the future as this facet of her work continues to develop.”
-Prof. Tyron Inbody, United Seminary

“Linda is both a faithful seeker and a seasoned theologian….She excels as an empathetic spiritual and theological mentor – for those searching for their religious identity and those engaged in the time-honored task of ‘faith seeking understanding.’”
-Prof. John Merkle, Ph.D., St. Benedict’s College, St. Joseph, MN

“She is highly sensitive to the emotional ethos of the community around her and is actively committed to fairness and inclusiveness…She will go out of her way to be supportive of others, focusing much of that support on those who seem to need it most.”
-John Matthews, MidWest Center

“I just once again wanted to thank you from my heart for all of the kindness, support, prayers and friendship… Thanks for the many ways you have blessed my journey.”
-Pamel Buzalka, ministry candidate, United Methodist Church

“Just a note to thank you for a wonderful workshop, one of the best I have ever attended.”
-Dan Finlay, Ithaca, NY

“Many thanks for your guidance through the Kirkridge weekend. It was everything I hoped for as well as more.”
-William Dols, Alexandraia, VA

“How do you thank someone who enthusiastically taught the use of the media and arts for use in the congregational setting? … A mere ‘thank you’ does not seem adequate…I praise God heartily for the honor and pleasure of being one of your students.”
-Rev. Sharon L. Kiesel, Medina, Ohio

From “Write Your Spiritual Autobiography” seminar at Kirkridge Retreat and Study Center:

“Very helpful. It acquainted us with a process we can grow with.”

“Clear, careful and thoughtful leadership.”

“Outstanding workshop – it surpassed my hopes and expectations. Linda is an excellent teacher and workshop leader.”

“This event has exceeded my expectations – leadership had focus without being directive. The format included adequate structure and openness.”

“The workshop helped me more than I expected.”

“Excellent! Got what I came for…Leaving with more.”

Testimonials on Dr. Mercadante’s Work in Spirituality & Theology

“Linda is a first rate scholar and writer….She can engage very practical human problems and issues with theological insight, drawing upon the social sciences, social movements, and the theological tradition in mutual dialogue.”
-Prof. Tyron Inbody, Ph.D., United Seminary

“Many of us will be in Mercadante’s debt for the contributions she makes through this useful and readable book [Gender, Doctrine & God: The Shakers and Contemporary Theology] for many years to come.”
-Marjorie Procter-Smith, Ph.D., Theology Today

“We are all in debt to Linda Mercadante’s book because it locates theological reflection about inclusive God-language within the social dynamics of a specific religious community. [It] skillfully traces connections between forces of language, doctrine and social structure, and thus provides new perspectives.”
-Mark Kline Taylor, Princeton Theological Seminary

“I wish there were more such voices of reason and faith in our world today.”
-Rev. William McCartney

“Linda is not just a scholar…She is very much a doer, with the drive, persistence and know-how to get things done. She sets high standards, especially for herself, and is not afraid to take risks.”
-John Matthews, MidWest Center

“While Linda is a woman of deep convictions, she is a woman for whom faith is never final but rather an ongoing quest for deeper understanding and communion with God.”
-Prof. John Merkle, Ph.D., St. Benedict’s College, St. Joseph, MN

“I just once again wanted to thank you from my heart for all of the kindness, support, prayers and friendship… Thanks for the many ways you have blessed my journey.”
-Pamel Buzalka, ministry candidate, United Methodist Church